Improve Gun Background Checks

So far in the US, in 2017, there has already been 50,067 gun incidents, in which 12,499 of them died. Every time a new gun death happens, the debate on gun control begins again, and there is a reason for it; the gun is too easy to retrieve. In some states even, it's easier to get a gun than a puppy. Although there will always be a black gun market, the harder it is to get guns, the fewer guns there will be overall.

In the US, if you are buying a gun from a store it is only required to have a background check and a survey with these questions:*Have you ever been convicted of a felony? *Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence? *Are you an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any other depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance? *Are you a fugitive from justice? *Have you ever been committed to a mental institution? Your social security number is recommended but not required. Also, according to CNN, less than 1% of citizens get denied a gun. This demonstrates that the background check isn't thorough enough and that too many people are obtaining guns. At gun shows, however, it isn’t required to have a background check, so even if you have committed a felony or have a mental defect, you can buy a gun, legally.

Japan has less than ten gun deaths a year, and it is because it has a very fair gun regulation, which I believe the US should adopt. If one wants to buy a gun they must:

- must attend an all-day class

- pass a written test

- get at least 95% accuracy during a shooting-range test

- pass a mental-health evaluation at a hospital

-pass a background check: checks their criminal record and interviews friends and family.

- only can buy shotguns and air rifles - no handguns

- every three years they must retake the class and the initial exam

This system has kept Japan almost free of gun deaths and doesn't ban guns, making it possible for anyone that passes this test to use guns for protection or hunting reasons.